Hope for Gavin
Posted on | October 12, 2009 | 65 Comments
Just last March, my 3-year old nephew Gavin was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs Disease – an extremely rare fatal genetic disorder that progressively destroys the brain and nervous system.
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| (This is Gavin taken March of 2008.) |
Even though Gavin was a laid back child, he seemed to develop normally – doing things any other toddler would like walking, playing, and biking. One thing he never was able to do is speak. But his regression over the past few months is undeniable. He can no longer walk unassisted and is not able to eat solid food anymore – in fact, last week, he underwent a major surgery to attach a feeding tube to his stomach.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, no preventive treatment to stop the brain from regressing. According to sources, children with Tay-Sachs usually do not live beyond five years of age – and at this time, all doctors can do is make sure the affected children are as comfortable as possible.
But Gavin’s family and friends are not giving up. As long as the sun rises everyday, and Gavin still breathes, there is hope. Researchers are investigating several treatments for Tay-Sachs, but none have passed the experimental stage yet.
I can’t imagine what Gavin’s parents are going through. Just looking at my two daughters and thinking “What if it’s them?” breaks my heart. And I know I must do something, anything, to aid Gavin’s cause. I’ve decided to organize a fundraiser, as detailed below. All proceeds will be donated to Gavin’s Trust Fund. The trust fund will be used for special equipment and other expenses he will need to make his life as comfortable as possible. In the words of another family suffering from Tay-Sachs – “to give him the best memories he can have”. (I hope they don’t mind that I borrowed their words.)
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| HOPE FOR GAVIN CHRISTMAS CARD DRIVE |
I thought this time of year is perfect for doing a Christmas card fundraising drive – especially for a very good and urgent cause such as this. (I’m afraid time is against my nephew.) The premise of this two-part campaign is to accumulate funds from selling handmade cards that will be donated to Gavin’s Trust Fund.
Part I
I’m reaching out to the generous spirits of crafty and creative people to donate handmade Christmas cards. For those wishing to participate (and I hope there are a lot of you that will), please post a comment with a valid email address so I can email you the mailing address. You can send as many handmade Christmas cards as you want, and please don’t forget to include an envelope to go with each card. The deadline to participate is November 20.
(If you want to make a card or write a note of support to Gavin’s family, feel free to do so. You can mail it together with the cards you’re going to donate, and I’ll make sure the card/note goes to them.)
Part II
This is where we sell the cards you’ve graciously donated. More information on Part II will be posted soon.
| The handmade Christmas cards are now available for pre-order here. |
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| Join the Hope for Gavin Support Group on facebook and twitter. Follow Gavin’s family as they battle Tay-Sachs here. |
Comments
65 Responses to “Hope for Gavin”
October 12th, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Hi Johwey, this is such a wonderful thing you are doing for Gavin. I don’t know how to make cards but I can help you sell them. Anything else we can do to help? God bless you and all the good you do!
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October 12th, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
I am from Bangkok, and would like to participate in sending some home made Christmas cards. I hope it’s ok that I am not very artistic or creative for that matter.. but I would really like to help.
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October 12th, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
Hi Johwey,
I hope all is well! I really hope the best for Gavin and reading his predicament breaks my heart into pieces.
Thanks for organizing this activity to raise public awareness for the kids and thanks for your hardwork. Thanks for making a difference to this world. I must say this is one brilliant idea which combines creativity and charity cause. My heart is all with Gavin, I can only pray that he’s strong enough to face challenges ahead.
I’m from Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur. May I know where I should send the x’mas card to? I’ll get some of my friends/colleagues to do it too and I hope the cards can reach you in time – before November 12, 2009.
Thanks and regards,
Winnie
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October 13th, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Hello Johwey,
Greetings from Malaysia. I got to know about your blog through Facebook. Sorry to hear about your nephew’s condition. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gavin and his family.
I understand that you are looking for handmade cards. I will try and see if I can make any. No promises though. But what I can offer for sure are Christmas gift stickers and mini gift tags. I designed them myself and got them printed. If you are keen to sell them, I am more than happy to send them to you. I also have generic gift tags to spare.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Eunice
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October 13th, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
Joyce and I went to elementary, middle and high school together. I would love to send you homemade cards.
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October 14th, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Hi, Johwey. Saw a post about Gavin from a friend’s post on Facebook. I would really love to help. I have four wonderful kids–two girls and two boys. I can truly empathize–so heartbreaking.
Thanks for the wonderful idea.
Good day,
Sherbet
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October 14th, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Johwey,
I found your site from Jennifer McGuire’s site. I would love to send some Christmas cards to help Gavin’s family.
Please send me the address. Thank you.
Lynn
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October 14th, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Hello, I am interested in sending cards in for your campaign. May I get the add? Thanks!
Natalie Hua
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October 14th, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Johwey,
Read about Gavin in your blog directed from Jennifer’s site. I wish to send some Christmas cards. Would you please send me the address?
Thank you.
Fon Mee aka Hannie
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October 15th, 2009 @ 6:23 am
Perfect!!! I just signed up with “Close to my Heart”. Will definitely start making cards today.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 8:08 am
I’ll look forward to Part II …where/when I can purchase the cards made :)
God bless~
Brenda
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October 15th, 2009 @ 8:22 am
I would be happy to participate. What an incredible story and initiative. I love making cards too!
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October 15th, 2009 @ 11:12 am
I am sorry to hear about little Gavin and his suffering. I would like to help by sending you some Christmas cards. Please send me your mailing address and I will get started creating.
Marti Schrock
Franklin, Indiana, USA
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October 15th, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Please let me know where I can send cards. Thanks.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 11:18 am
Can you please give me the mailing address where to send the Hand made Christmas Card?
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October 15th, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
I’m proud of your initiative to raise funds for Gavin. I can send you cash instead of homemade cards. From my contribution you can make more cards. I have another idea to help Gavin. I’m writing Janelle. I’ll copy you. I’ll pray this worthwhile drive will be successful.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Please send your address – would like to help with Christmas card fundraising drive Anita
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October 15th, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
What a great idea. I feel so helpless and this is something I can do to help Jan and Gavin and other children with TSD. God answers prayers and God performs miracles. There’s hope through Him. Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to this little known, yet worthy cause. :)
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October 15th, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
This is perfect I just finished about 50 Christmas cards. I am more than happy to send some to you. I look forward to hearing from you. This is a great idea. I have sold cards myself for fundraising purposes and it is a lovely idea!!
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October 15th, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
I would love to donate handmade Christmas cards for such a worthy cause. Please e-mail me mailing address! Gavin and his family will be in our prayers.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
Jan, Me and my family are willing to help. I’d love to with open arm. Just be open to me and I will know what to do. If you need something like I can have my church help too. I tried calling you but no response. I know you and Bong are busy. We will continue to pray. Call me.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
I would love to send some cards.
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October 15th, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
I would be more than happy to send you some cards to sale.
God bless, Mira
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October 15th, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
I would love to make some cards. Please send me an address where to send the cards. I have added your nephew to my prayer list.
Lynn
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October 15th, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
what a beautiful little boy – i am so sorry to hear of his illness – please email the address for xmas cards – i am sending love and prayers for his family.
andrea in australia
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October 15th, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
Hi from Queensland, Australia, i would love to send some christmas cards to help such a worthy cause, please let me know your address
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October 16th, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Your not alone, miracles exist….Our prayers are with you and your family…
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October 16th, 2009 @ 10:41 am
What a privelege to be able to do something so fun to help someone.
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October 16th, 2009 @ 10:54 am
I would love to make some cards for this great cause! Please forward me an address where to send them.
Gail
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October 16th, 2009 @ 11:37 am
Hello, I saw you on Twitter, and would absolutely love to send some handmade cards. Just tell me how many and what kind and where to send them! Hope to hear from you soon.
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October 16th, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
I’d love to participate as well. Good on you for doing this drive Anita.
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October 16th, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
I’m In. Brilliant idea.
Lots of love
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October 17th, 2009 @ 5:59 am
i would like to participate. i will ask my group if they are interested to help
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October 17th, 2009 @ 6:57 am
Joyce & I went to high school together. Please send me more info. on how I can help. Thank you!
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October 17th, 2009 @ 7:50 am
What a great idea- would love to help by sending cards!
Brenda
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October 17th, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I would love to send you some cards! Please send me the address. Your family is in my prayers.
Tami Hall
thall729@aol.com
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October 17th, 2009 @ 10:16 am
What a great project this is, how thoughtful of you to help you nephew. I would like to participate so please send me the address. Best wishes.
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October 17th, 2009 @ 11:14 am
I’d like to help. I can make some cards for this cause.
I will pray for Gavin and comfort for his parents as well.
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October 17th, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
I would love to help with your card drive.
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October 18th, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
I would love to help out if I may, lots of prayers and love to Gavin and his family
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October 19th, 2009 @ 9:34 am
please send us the info. We’re planning on hosting a “card party” with some of our creative friends. Our thoughts are with your family.
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October 19th, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Hi there Johwey,
I think this is such a great fundraising idea to raise money for Gavin and the Tay Sach’s Foundation. I am fortunate enough to know your cousin, Joyce, and she has introduced me to Gavin, Janelle, and Bong. The whole family is incredibly loving, caring, and inspiring to all of us.
Please email me your address.
Thank you,
Mary
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October 19th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Greetings,
We would love to participate in this drive and would like to get the address to send the cards to.
Best!
Laura
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October 19th, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
Hi,
I am one of Joyce’s co-workers. Me and a group of friends would love to donate handmade Christmas cards for Gavin. Please e-mail me the mailing address for the cards.
Thank you
Catherine
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October 19th, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
I would love to try and participate in this, could you please email me the address. I will also post this on my forum and see if I can get a few more to participate.
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October 20th, 2009 @ 4:00 am
Jan/Bong, my prayers are always with you and Gavin. I will definately make time to make a few cards – for Gavin
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October 20th, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
I would love to send a few cards. Prayers for Gavin.
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October 20th, 2009 @ 8:07 pm
My classmates and I would like to help. Please email me your address.
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October 23rd, 2009 @ 10:15 am
Johwey– I’d like to donate some cards. Let me know where to mail them. I’ll be praying for your nephew.
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October 25th, 2009 @ 10:34 pm
Great idea!! Let me know if any of my services could help out in anyway…I will definitely spread the word….Love and prayers for Gavin!!
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October 26th, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Hi Joanna. could you also send me an address. I’m trying to gather up some Crafty Card maker-friends from Guam and would love to give them your addy to send their creations… Thanks!
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October 27th, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Hello,
I work with Jan and we are organizing some of the students that attend our school in order to create some greeting cards for your fundraiser. May I please have your address. We should have a batch ready at the end of this week and another at the end of next.
Warmly,
Kelly
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October 30th, 2009 @ 11:34 am
Hi, I have some very crafty friends and would love to send some cards your way. Please send me the address!
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October 31st, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
Hello.
As a mom of a toddler this story really touches me. I couldn’t get thru it without crying and being thankful for my healthy little one. I would be honored to send some cards.
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November 3rd, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
Hi,
Could you e-mail me the address please. I would love to help and send some cards.
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November 4th, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
Please email me the address. I’d like to do a post about this drive on my blog. Im so sorry about Gavin.
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November 6th, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Hi,
I would like to donate some card. Please email me the address and I’ll get those out right away.
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November 6th, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Hi Jan n bong, I’m not a crafty person but to help Gavin I will try mybest n have my family help make cards as well. Our prayers r with u all! Love Santiago family
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November 9th, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
Hi Johwey,
I’m so sorry to hear about Gavin. I would like to help; please email your address to me.
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November 14th, 2009 @ 11:42 am
Just let me know where to send the cards and I’ll send a few your way!
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November 15th, 2009 @ 7:07 am
Would love to help too, let me know where to send the cards.. thanks
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November 15th, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
Hi,
I would love to help and have some cards ready to go. I hope it’s not too late. My friend Mich told me about your website.
Thanks:-D
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November 15th, 2009 @ 11:07 pm
Hello. I have a few cards to donate. Please let me know where to send them. Thanks!
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November 18th, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Hello! My cards are finished and ready to ship. So sorry I am a little late. I am scouring my e-mail and can’t find your address! Ahhhhh! Would you please resend it to me, so sorry. I will send them to you tomorrow morning and pray they fly to you courtesy of an angel! :) Thanks!
thall729@aol.com
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January 5th, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
I just read about Gavin and wanted to know if you will be doing another card fundraiser. If so, please contact me as I would love to help!
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